Patents Issued in February 6, 2007
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Patent number: 7174182Abstract: An electric power control method is provided. In the method, a range having a maximum value, which is an output ratio of initial target signal to disturbance wave added with an offset addition value, and a minimum value, which is the output ratio of initial target signal to disturbance wave subtracted an offset subtraction value, is set. If an output ratio of target signal to disturbance wave is equal to or more than the maximum, the output ratio of target signal to disturbance wave is set to the maximum, if an output ratio of target signal to disturbance wave is equal to or less than the minimum, the output ratio of target signal to disturbance wave is set to the minimum, and if an output ratio of target signal to disturbance wave is within the range, no adjustment is performed.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Kousuke Toono
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Patent number: 7174183Abstract: A method of operating a radio communication system uses a random access channel to enable a secondary station to transmit a message to a primary station. The secondary station transmits a preamble to the primary station. After successful receipt of the preamble the primary station transmits a control channel including power control information to instruct the secondary station to adjust the output power of its transmitter. This method ensures that the secondary station transmits at a sufficient power for the message to be received successfully by the primary station, while minimizing interference generated by the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Timothy J. Moulsley, Bernard Hunt
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Patent number: 7174184Abstract: A method (30) (and equipment adapted to operate according to the method) for enabling or disabling (i.e. triggering) an attribute of communication between a UE device and a NodeB under the control of a RNC using System Information Blocks (SIBs) as a way of configuring communication channels provided by the RNC, the method including: a step (35) in which the NodeB configures itself for communication with the UE device according to a trigger field (40) consisting of typically several bits corresponding to one or more attributes and included in one or more SIBs; and a step (35) in which the NodeB transmits to the UE device the SIB(s) including the trigger field. A multi-bit trigger field can be used to simultaneously control either a number of attributes, or can be interpreted as indicating a value of a single, multi-level attribute (or can be used both ways at the same time).Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Marko K. Mahkonen, Otto-Aleksanteri Lehtinen, Jose Leira Paz
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Patent number: 7174185Abstract: A transmission level control method in a wireless local loop system capable of suppressing occurrence of an unnecessarily high transmission level, comprises a step of generating a required reception level corresponding to a classification of data, a step of detecting the reception level of data at a receiver side transceiver apparatus, a step of finding a level difference between the detected reception level and the required reception level corresponding to the classification of the related received data, and a step of controlling a change of the transmission level at a transmitter side transceiver apparatus according to this level difference.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Shoichi Sato, Koji Arai
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Patent number: 7174186Abstract: The broadcasting tower selecting method for selecting one broadcasting tower out of a plurality of broadcasting towers each being able to transmit together broadcast waves on a plurality of channels that can be received in an area, including: a first step of judging an existence or not of the channels that can be received in the area; a second step of extracting, based on a result from the judgment in the first step, one or more broadcasting towers that can provide all channels being receivable in the area out of the plurality of the broadcasting towers; and a third step of selecting one arbitrary broadcasting tower out of the extracted one or more broadcasting towers. Thus, it is possible to select automatically, with an easy operation, a broadcasting tower that can provide best video and audio quality, out of a plurality of broadcasting towers.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Satoshi Onodera
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Patent number: 7174187Abstract: A multimodal wireless device, such as a cellular telephone, includes wireless transceivers which supports communication with remote devices in two different wireless protocols, for example, convention wireless cellular telephony in accordance with CDMA or GSM standards, and wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth standard and/or the IEEE 802.11 standard. The user of the wireless device selects which mode the device is to use when placing a call to a called party by inputing codes or characters into a dialing string. The wireless device detects the code or characters and responsively selects the designated transceiver to place the call to the receiver in the desired wireless communication mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.Inventor: John C. W. Ngan
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Patent number: 7174188Abstract: In a first standby state, the reception quality of a signal from a system which has established synchronization is detected. If the detected reception quality deteriorates to be less than a threshold value, the destination of synchronization establishment is changed from a first system to a second system. In a second standby state after this system change, the reception quality of a system having a higher priority order of selection than the second system which has established synchronization is detected. If a third system whose detected reception quality exceeds the threshold value is found, the destination of synchronization establishment is changed to this third system again. After that, the first standby state is returned.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Moriaki Kiyomoto, Akira Ishikura, Takashi Sakagawa
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Patent number: 7174189Abstract: A system and method for providing PBX-like functionality at a remote office location includes the capability of maintaining a network session with a mobile number associated with the remote worker once the worker terminates the remote office session. The system utilizes a remote office platform interposed between a data communications network and a conventional PBX switch (located either at a subscriber-based office location or within the communication network and shared by a number of different subscribers). A remotely located individual (such as a telecommuter) “logs in” to the remote office platform and, once the individual is authenticated, a graphical user interface (GUI) emulating a PBX station set is enabled at the remote employee's personal computer, the GUI including a field for entry of the user's mobile number.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: AT&T Corp.Inventors: Yihsiu Chen, Mark Jeffrey Foladare, Kathleen C. Fowler, Shelley B. Goldman, Shaoqing Q. Wang, Roy Philip Weber, Robert S. Westrich, Aleksandr Zelezniak
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Patent number: 7174190Abstract: A direct downconversion receiver architecture having a DC loop to remove DC offset from the signal components, a digital variable gain amplifier (DVGA) to provide a range of gains, an automatic gain control (AGC) loop to provide gain control for the DVGA and RF/analog circuitry, and a serial bus interface (SBI) unit to provide controls for the RF/analog circuitry via a serial bus. The DVGA may be advantageously designed and located as described herein. The operating mode of the VGA loop may be selected based on the operating mode of the DC loop, since these two loops interact with one another. The duration of time the DC loop is operated in an acquisition mode may be selected to be inversely proportional to the DC loop bandwidth in the acquisition mode. The controls for some or all of the RF/analog circuitry may be provided via the serial bus.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Qualcomm Inc.Inventors: Brett C. Walker, Paul E. Peterzell, Tao Li, Matthew L. Severson
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Patent number: 7174191Abstract: Occurrences of at least one of a plurality of telephone number-related speech patterns are identified in an audio stream using speech analysis techniques. At least one number pattern corresponding to the occurrences are thereafter identified and stored for later presentation to a user of a mobile device. The occurrences and corresponding number pattern(s) may be filtered to reduce the likelihood of false detections. Furthermore, the detected number pattern(s) may be augmented to ensure completeness. Users may edit and persistently store the resulting number pattern(s). In one embodiment, a portion of the audio stream may be stored and subsequently subjected to the speech analysis process. The stored portion of the audio stream may be reproduced at substantially the same time that at least one number pattern detected therein is provided to the user. In this manner, telephone numbers in audio streams may be captured safely and conveniently.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventor: James T. Doble
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Patent number: 7174192Abstract: A radio apparatus, to be used as a first ending node of a communication network, is connectable to a hands-free apparatus by a local radio link to form a hands-free system. A call made on the hands-free apparatus for an second ending node in the communication network is sent to the radio apparatus through a control channel on the local radio link. The radio apparatus and the hands-free apparatus arrange a voice channel to be established on the local radio link. The call is then sent to the second ending node. In a case where no voice channel is established within a predetermined time period after arranging the voice channel, the radio apparatus cancels the call to prevent a connection between the radio apparatus and the second ending node from being kept and charged.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Kentaro Nagahama
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Patent number: 7174193Abstract: An apparatus comprises one or more image catching and sound reading assemblies each adapted to catch images and read sound, convert the images and the sound into image and sound signals, and send the image and sound signals in electromagnetic waves; and a power supply assembly distal from the image catching and sound reading assemblies and including a receiver circuit having an associated antenna for receiving electromagnetic waves containing the image and sound signals from the image catching and sound reading assembly and sending the processed images and sound signals to an AV player for display and broadcasting, and power supply means for supplying power to the AV player. The invention enables a user to monitor a person's (or persons') activities by watching screen of the AV player and listening to broadcasted sound.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Advanced Connectek Inc.Inventor: Zheng-Fang Cao
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Patent number: 7174194Abstract: A multiprocessor system (10) includes a plurality of processing modules, such as MPUs (12), DSPs (14), and coprocessors/DMA channels (16). Power management software (38) in conjunction with profiles (36) for the various processing modules and the tasks to executed are used to build scenarios which meet predetermined power objectives, such as providing maximum operation within package thermal constraints or using minimum energy. Actual activities associated with the tasks are monitored during operation to ensure compatibility with the objectives. The allocation of tasks may be changed dynamically to accommodate changes in environmental conditions and changes in the task list. Temperatures may be computed at various points in the multiprocessor system by monitoring activity information associated with various subsystems. The activity measurements may be used to compute a current power dissipation distribution over the die. If necessary, the tasks in a scenario may be adjusted to reduce power dissipation.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2001Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Gerard Chauvel, Dominique D'Inverno, Darvin R. Edwards
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Patent number: 7174195Abstract: In a foldable portable telephone set including a lower unit (20) having a console portion (12), an upper unit (30) having a display portion (11), and a hinge portion (13) for joining the lower unit to the upper unit so as to enable to open and close them, the upper unit (30) consists of a display portion unit (32), a supporting portion unit (34), and a rotating and sliding mechanism (40). A pair of front camera portions (17a, 17b) is disposed on the upper unit so as to position up and down of the display portion when the display portion is put into the lengthwise state and to position right and left of the display portion when the display portion is put into the oblong state by rotating and sliding the display portion unit using the rotating and sliding mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Yasuo Nagamine
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Patent number: 7174196Abstract: A mobile phone implement is capable of hearing a voice from the mobile phone or communicating with the ear and capable of easily loading and unloading the earphone and the cord. The mobile phone implement comprises a neck strap that is capable of being attached to a mobile phone and being suspended from a neck of human being and a fastener. The fastener makes a slider slide towards a direction of the base end portion of the neck strap to carry out an open motion. The mobile phone implement comprises a container section formed between the neck strap and the fastener, an earphone unit having a cord whose plug side cord portion is stored in the container section, and folding means for bending a cord to fold the cord provided to an earphone unit which is capable of being connected to the mobile phone.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Yasutoshi Matsuda
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Patent number: 7174197Abstract: The present invention relates to superconductive filter technology. According to the arrangement of the superconductive filter (1), a columnar resonating member (23) having a superconductive material formed on the surface thereof is attached at one of its ends thereof to an inner wall (22) of a filter housing (21) so that a space is interposed between the columnar resonating member and each of connectors (27a, 27b) which are connectable to a signal input/output cables (5a, 5b), respectively. According to this arrangement, heat conduction from the outside can be suppressed as far as possible, and the superconductive condition can be created with stability, with the result that a stable filtering characteristic can be created.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Manabu Kai, Kazunori Yamanaka, Tsuyoshi Hasegawa, Toru Maniwa
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Patent number: 7174198Abstract: A system and method for determining the concentration of analytes of interest in complex matrices is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, near-infrared analytical radiation is generally directed onto a portion of a specimen containing the analyte of interest. A wavelength of the analytical radiation is scanned over the specimen over a broad range of frequencies and over a short duration of diagnostic time. A spectrum of radiation is transmitted through, reflected from or scattered from the specimen and collected by a detector. The concentration of the analyte of interest in the specimen is determined by the radiation collected by the detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventors: Igor Trofimov, Stephen A. Lyon
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Patent number: 7174199Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. Device configuration and/or measurement techniques are employed in order to reduce the effect of interfering species on sensor sensitivity. One important application of the invention involves a method and device for monitoring blood glucose values.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Animas Technologies, LLCInventors: Bret Berner, Chia-Ming Chiang, Michael D. Garrison, Janan Jona, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
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Patent number: 7174200Abstract: A system and method for using hyperpolarized noble gases together with an appropriately designed and optimized magnetic resonance imaging pulse sequence to rapidly acquire static or dynamic magnetic resonance images. The strong magnetic resonance signal from hyperpolarized gases, combined with the present magnetic resonance imaging technique, presents the opportunity for the imaging of gases with both high spatial and high temporal resolution. One potential application for such a method is the direct, dynamic visualization of gas flow, which would be extremely useful for characterizing a variety of fluid systems. In the medical field, one such system of substantial importance is the lung. The system and method provides for visualizing regional ventilatory patterns throughout the respiratory cycle with high temporal and high spatial resolution. The low sensitivity to susceptibility artifacts permits good image quality to be obtained in various orientations.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: University of Virginia Patent FoundationInventors: Michael Salerno, John P. Mugler, III, James R. Brookeman
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Patent number: 7174201Abstract: Apparatus for performing a medical procedure on a tissue within a body of a subject includes a wireless tag which is fixed to the tissue and includes a first sensor coil. A second sensor coil is fixed to a medical device for use in performing the procedure. An integral processing and display unit includes a plurality of radiator coils, along with processing circuitry and a display. The radiator coils generate electromagnetic fields in a vicinity of the tissue, thereby causing currents to flow in the sensor coils. The processing circuitry processes the currents so as to determine coordinates of the tag relative to the medical device. The display is driven by the processing circuitry so as to present a visual indication to an operator of the medical device of an orientation of the device relative to the tag.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Biosense, Inc.Inventors: Assaf Govari, Yitzhack Schwartz
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Patent number: 7174202Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for locating the position, preferably in three dimensions, of a sensor by generating magnetic fields which are detected at the sensor. The magnetic fields are generated from a plurality of locations and, in one embodiment of the invention, enable both the orientation and location of a single coil sensor to be determined. The present invention thus finds application in many areas where the use of prior art sensors comprising two or more mutually perpendicular coils is inappropriate.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: British TelecommunicationsInventors: John Stuart Bladen, Alan Patrick Anderson
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Patent number: 7174203Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring and characterizing a person's heart condition for various medically related purposes. The method includes the steps of (a) acquiring a selected person's acoustic heart signature, (b) acquiring, substantially simultaneously, that same person's electrical heart signature, (c) choosing elements of determined interest from these two acquired signatures and selectively processing and inter- and/or cross-relating such elements, and (d) employing the results of the relating step to create a heart-condition fingerprint useful in the characterization of that person's heart condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Inovise Medical, Inc.Inventors: Patricia A. Arand, Peter T. Bauer, Peter M. Galen, Robert A. Warner
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Patent number: 7174204Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining T-wave alternan signatures (i.e., morphology and polarity) derived from a physiologic signal representative of a subject's heart activity; assessing changes in the myocardium Action Potential (“AP”) through analysis of the alternan signature derived from a physiologic signal representative of a subject's heart activity; and/or assessing spatial disassociation of alternan characteristics that are likely associated with the initiation of re-entrant arrhythmias.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Cardiac Science CorporationInventors: David Milton Hadley, Mustafa Hikmet Sagiroglu
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Patent number: 7174205Abstract: Computer method and apparatus of analyzing ECG signals of a subject include receiving a subject electrocardiogram signal and comparing it against signal patterns of known cardiac syndromes. A library of example predefined signals is employed. Distance measures indicating similarity of the subject signal to the example predefined signals are produced and form a sequence of vectors. The sequence of vectors are input into a classifier which determines existence of signal patterns indicative of any cardiac syndromes in the subject.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Pedro J. Moreno, David Goddeau, Beth T. Logan
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Patent number: 7174206Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting possible interference in a neurological signal received from a monitoring element of a medical device system. The monitoring element monitors a condition or a symptom of a nervous system disorder being treated and provides a neurological signal to the medical device system for purposes of providing closed-loop feedback control. The system analyzes various parameters of the received signal by taking instantaneous measurements of data points in moving window and thereby determining whether the signal is of poor quality. If the signal is of determined poor quality, it is removed from consideration in the closed-loop feedback control system until it is determined that the signal quality has sufficiently been restored.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Mark G. Frei, Ivan Osorio, Jonathan C. Werder, David L. Carlson
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Patent number: 7174207Abstract: A defibrillator is disclosed. The defibrillator includes a secondary battery having a volume less than 5 cc. One or more capacitors are configured to store electrical energy from the battery in an amount sufficient to provide a patient with one or more defibrillation shocks. A processing unit is configured to control the storage of electrical energy in the one or more capacitors and to control the discharge of the electrical energy from the one or more capacitors. The battery can have a total volume of less than 4 cc or less than 3 cc.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Quallion LLCInventors: Joanna Dodd, Hisashi Tsukamoto, Mikito Nagata
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Patent number: 7174208Abstract: The present invention provides structures and methods for delivering a complex slow-rise defibrillation waveform wherein in lieu of the simple truncation of prior art defibrillation waveforms, when a predetermined amplitude is reached for an ascending waveform (e.g., a ramp waveform), the waveform transitions to an exponential decay portion for a period of time and at the expiration of the period of time, a truncation occurs. In the event that a first complex bi-phasic ramp wave form is implemented, a second opposite polarity waveform may be delivered. Said second waveform is preferably of similar shape to the first waveform, but of a less magnitude amplitude, although the second waveform may comprise a traditional waveform. The implementation and feasibility of the waveforms according to the present invention in an ICD or an AED is relatively simple while providing significant advantages not previously known or used in the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. DeGroot, Paul A. Belk
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Patent number: 7174209Abstract: An algorithm for detection of tachycardias and for discriminating between supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) when a 1:1 tachycardia condition is present that can be implemented in an implantable cardiac rhythm management device. Variability measures of AV and VA intervals during the tachycardia are computed and used to distinguish between SVT and VT.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Julie Thompson, Eric G. Lovett, Janice Jenkins
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Patent number: 7174210Abstract: Techniques are provided for allowing Automatic Mode Switching (AMS) to be exploited within dual unipolar systems employing Combipolar sensing. Relative refractory windows are opened within both the atrial and ventricular refractory periods for the purposes of determining the atrial rate using Combipolar sensing logic. In this manner, T-waves occurring during the relative refractory windows are excluded from the atrial rate calculation, whereas any P-waves occurring during the relative refractory windows are counted, thereby achieving a more accurate atrial rate calculation, particularly at high atrial rates, and thus permitting AMS to be enabled along with Combipolar sensing in the dual unipolar lead system. An alternative technique is provided for use in dual unipolar systems not initially set to a Combipolar Sensing mode, which also achieves more accurate atrial rate calculation at high atrial rates. Additional techniques are provided for use in dual bipolar systems.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Paul A. Levine
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Patent number: 7174211Abstract: The present invention provides a header for an implantable medical device that allows it to be used with either a unipolar lead or a bipolar lead. The set screw normally engaging a ring contact on a bipolar lead is stopped from extending far enough into an insulating layer on a unipolar lead to cause damage to the insulating layer. The use of the universal header of the present invention works to significantly reduce the number of different models of implantable medical devices that a manufacturer must have available.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventor: Scott A. Spadgenske
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Patent number: 7174212Abstract: A housing for an implantable medical device comprises a metallic wall including a telemetry window having a thickness that is thinner than the remainder of the housing wall and having an electrical conductivity that is less than that of the remainder of the housing wall. In another embodiment, an implantable medical device casing comprises a metallic wall including a telemetry window received within an aperture defined by said casing wall, the window having an electrical conductivity that is less than that of the remainder of the casing wall. Pursuant to another embodiment, there is provided an implantable medical device incorporating a casing as described above that is hermetically sealed and encloses a transceiver for bidirectional telemetric communication through the telemetry window.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Russell Klehn, Sergey Safarevich
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Patent number: 7174213Abstract: An implantable multimodal neurostimulator having improved efficacy in treating epilepsy and other neurological disorders and processes of using that neurostimulator are described herein. The neurostimulator itself generally has two modes of electrical stimulation. The first involves delivering a non-responsive electrical stimulation signal that is applied to the central nervous system to reduce the likelihood of a seizure or other undesirable neurological even from occurring. Various waveform morphologies are described for non-responsive stimulation signals. A second mode involves delivering a responsive electrical stimulation signal when epileptiform waveforms are impending or extant. The responsive electrical stimulation signal is intended to terminate epileptiform activity, e.g., to desynchronize abnormally synchronous brain electrical activity.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Benjamin D. Pless
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Patent number: 7174214Abstract: A cochlear implant system comprising a first unit (5) adapted to be worn on or in one ear of an implantee. The first unit has a case housing componentry including a microphone (27), and a speech processor means (29). A second unit or accessory (30) is adapted to be worn on or in the other ear of the implantee. The second unit or accessory (30) has a case (31) housing a second power source. An electrical conduction means (58) for transmitting power from the second power source to the componentry of the first unit extends between the first and second units. Such a conduction means (58) can extend around the back of the head of the implantee.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Peter Seligman
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Patent number: 7174215Abstract: A method is provided for determining optimal stimulus pulsewidth and stimulus amplitude for stimulating nerves with at least one electrode (17). The method comprises: providing a predetermined calibration curve comprising a set of pulsewidth and amplitude values; and delivering sets of pulsewidths and amplitude values which are part of the calibration curve to the at least one electrode (17) to determine at least the optimal pulsewidth. A pulsewidth (70) and an amplitude can be efficiently selected that is efficacious and provides an ample clinical usage range (UR).Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Advanced Bionics CorporationInventor: Kerry Bradley
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Patent number: 7174216Abstract: An implementation of a technology, described herein, for implantable medical therapy devices and techniques related to notifications related to the use of such devices. One implementation, described herein, provides a notification system for notifying implantable cardiac therapy device (ICTD) patients (and possibly others) in a manner that is comprehensive, integrated, efficient, effective, and quick. This abstract itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Nirav Dalal
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Patent number: 7174217Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a source of conductive and/or magnetic beads, a first member, e.g., a catheter or cannula, coupled to the source of magnetic beads, and a second member, e.g., a catheter or cannula, carrying a magnet on its distal end. The system is used for ablating or otherwise treating tissue within a target tissue region including a blood vessel contacting or passing therethrough. Magnetic beads are introduced into the target tissue region, e.g., using the first member, and a magnetic field is generated within the target tissue region, e.g., using the second member, to cause the magnetic beads to migrate towards a wall of the vessel. Energy is delivered into the target tissue region, e.g., to heat tissue therein, and the magnetic beads may attenuate or enhance treatment of tissue adjacent to the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Rioux, Robert Garabedian
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Patent number: 7174218Abstract: An adapter system is provided for adapting and connecting a leadless microstimulator to a separate monopolar, bipolar, or tripolar electrode. Advantageously, the microstimulator does not need to be physically modified. The adapter system encloses the microstimulator and electrically connects the microstimulator to the selected, separate electrode via an extension lead or leads. The adapter has two forms: a monopolar adapter having a single opening or a bipolar adapter having two openings. The separate electrode is equipped with at least one extension lead having a connector that can be inserted into the opening of the monopolar adapter or the bipolar adapter and connect to the microstimulator that is placed within the monopolar or bipolar adapter.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Advanced Bionics CorporationInventor: Janusz A Kuzma
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Patent number: 7174219Abstract: A pulse stimulation system configured for implantation into a patient's body comprises a pulse stimulator, a conductive stimulation lead having a proximal end electrically coupled to the pulse simulator and having a distal end, and an electrode assembly coupled to the distal end of the stimulation lead. The electrode assembly comprises an electrode body having a therapy electrode thereon that is electrically coupled to the stimulation lead for delivering therapy to the patient. A floating electrode is configured to contact the patient's body tissue and has a surface area substantially larger than that of the therapy electrode. A filter is coupled between the therapy electrode and the floating electrode for diverting RF energy toward the floating electrode and away from the therapy electrode.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Thomas Barry Hoegh, Gregory A. Hrdlicka, Thomas E. Cross, Jr., James M. Olsen
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Patent number: 7174220Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation lead system for use with an implantable stimulation device includes at least a pair of conductors, braided together and extending between proximal and distal ends and co-extruded with flexible resilient insulation material. Each conductor may be a multi-strand cable composed of MP35N or DFT and have its outer peripheral surfaces coated with insulative material. An electrical connector is coupled to the proximal end of the lead system for connection with a stimulation device and includes terminals electrically connected to the conductors. The proximal connector is thereby electrically coupled to a distal tip electrode and to at least one electrode proximally spaced from the distal tip electrode. The lead system may include an elongated tubular lead body of flexible resilient insulative material having a longitudinally extending lumen for receiving a stylet for aid in implanting the lead system. Alternatively, an introducer sheath may be employed for implantation.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Yougandh Chitre, John R. Helland
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Patent number: 7174221Abstract: A drug-eluting endocardial lead and method of manufacture. The silicone elastomer of the present invention is ideally suited to a manufacturing environment due to its extended pot life and decreased curing time. A preferred silicone elastomer is comprised of a multi-part mixture having at least a base portion and a curing portion. Additionally, since curing does not begin until the base and curing portions are combined, the mixing can be physically undertaken closer to the location of the endocardial lead and the curing “clock” does not start until the mixing occurs and external heat is applied. Since the silicone elastomer formed by base and curing components have improved the pot life and curing characteristics, the mixture is suitable for mixing with a steroid and then dispensing into an endocardial lead tip thus eliminating current design limitations imposed by current art while concomitantly minimizing manufacturing costs.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Cole H. Chen, Phong D. Doan, Yougandh Chitre, John R. Helland
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Patent number: 7174222Abstract: A system and method facilitates inserting a cardiac lead into a patient's vasculature. The cardiac lead system includes a cardiac lead having a lumen, and a guide member displaceable within the lumen. The guide member includes a guide wire extension that extends distal to the elongated body of the guide member. The guide wire extension is dimensioned to pass through an external distal opening of the cardiac lead lumen. Engagement of stop features or a stop mechanism of the cardiac lead system provides a push point for advancing the cardiac lead system through the patient's anatomy.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Bruce A. Tockman, Frank Vandeputte, Muralidharan Srivathsa, Randy Westlund
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Patent number: 7174223Abstract: A virtual wire assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a substantially electrically-nonconductive substrate; and a plurality of hermetic feedthroughs each comprising a conductive region extending transversely through the substrate to form a conductive pathway with accessible surfaces at opposing ends thereof, wherein each conductive pathway is electrically isolated from other conductive pathways. In certain embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the substantially electrically-nonconductive substrate is a semiconductor device, and the conductive regions each are comprised of an n-type or a p-type doped semiconductor material. Also disclosed are implanted medical devices requiring electronic or other components to be retained in a hermetic enclosure, such as cochlear and other sensory or neural prosthetic devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: James Dalton, Peter Single, David Money
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Patent number: 7174224Abstract: A smart camera system provides focused images to an operator at a host computer by processing digital images at the imaging location prior to sending them to the host computer. The smart camera has a resident digital signal processor for preprocessing digital images prior to transmitting the images to the host. The preprocessing includes image feature extraction and filtering, convolution and deconvolution methods, correction of parallax and perspective image error and image compression. Compression of the digital images in the smart camera at the imaging location permits the transmission of very high resolution color or high resolution grayscale images at real-time frame rates such as 30 frames per second over a high speed serial bus to a host computer or to any other node on the network, including any remote address on the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Adept Technology, Inc.Inventors: Edison T. Hudson, James McCormick, Ronald Genise, Jerome Dahl
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Patent number: 7174225Abstract: An application program that describes processing of a workpiece by the machine tool in form of instruction steps is disclosed. A computer executes the application program and step-by-step determines based on a simulation program machine-dependent control commands for a controller. The machine-dependent control commands depend on a virtual time base that is independent of an actual time base. The computer determines based on a computer-internal model of the machine tool and the determined machine-dependent control commands expected actual states of the machine tool, thereby simulating execution of the machine-dependent control commands by the machine tool. The simulation program is implemented as control software in the controller.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Stefan Dolansky
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Patent number: 7174226Abstract: A numerical controller having a learning control function executes commands in an NC program, starts performing learning control from a location where the same operation pattern starts occurring, and stops performing learning control at a location where the same operation pattern ends. Once a command that allows learning control is established in the NC program, the section in which learning control is carried out can be automatically determined.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Fanuc LtdInventors: Tomomi Nakazato, Takahiko Endo
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Patent number: 7174227Abstract: A laundry system includes a home terminal device and laundry apparatus. The terminal device includes a first short-range communication device, a long-range communication device, and a terminal device controller transmitting information about laundry and a laundry constraint to a server connected to an Internet, thereby obtaining an operation control program for the laundry apparatus. The terminal device controller transfers the program via the first short-range communication device to the laundry apparatus and receives via the first short-range communication device information about an operating state of the laundry apparatus. The laundry apparatus includes a second short-range communication device, a laundry apparatus controller, and a laundry unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Ha Products Co., Ltd., Toshiba Consumer Marketing Corp.Inventors: Midori Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Haruna, Fumihiro Imamura, Yoshimi Nishimura, Miho Hayashi
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Patent number: 7174228Abstract: A display for on-site visualization of conditions of an automated process is disclosed. It comprises a display controller which at least temporarily provides a state indication signal representing a constellation of states of at least two process data signals. At least one of the two process data signals is derived from a signal generated externally to the field device. The field device has a display element which responds to a change in the state indication signal with a significant change in its appearance, thus signaling the constellation of the states of the two process data signals in a visually perceptible manner. Therefore, the field device is particularly suited for on-site monitoring of entire plants or sections thereof by operating personnel.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Endress + Hauser Wetzer GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Michael Konrad, Dieter Schmidt
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Patent number: 7174229Abstract: A high quality digital 3D sound rendering is implemented using high resolution interaural time delays formed from two delay lines: a first delay line providing a rough estimate of the desired interaural time delay for a particular audio sample, and a second delay line in series with the first delay line providing a more finely resolved fractional delay. In the disclosed embodiment, the first delay module, i.e., the integer delay module, is formed from a first-in, first-out (FIFO) buffer with appropriate selection control of a desired sample as it passes through the FIFO buffer with each clock cycle based on the sampling rate. The second delay module (i.e., the fractional delay module) is formed from a plurality of polyphase (FIR) filters. The number of polyphase filters is determined based on the desired resolution of the interaural time delay.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.Inventors: Jiashu Chen, Christopher Anton Wendt
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Patent number: 7174230Abstract: The present invention provides a novel distributed factory system framework including a novel factory automation lifecycle (200) having lifecycle activities for SW developing and integrating (210), installing and administrating (220), factory modeling (230), manufacturing planning (240), manufacturing controlling, monitoring and tracking (250) and analyzing of manufacturing results (260). The factory lifecycle comprises framework components. The distributed factory system framework also includes application components and building blocks. The framework components are adapted to for managing the application components, while the application components are utilized to provide instructions for managing a process such as a wafer fab. The building blocks are adapted for forming or modifying framework and application components. The distributed factory system framework provides computer implemented methods for integrating processing systems and facilitates process and equipment changes.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: John F. Arackaparambil, Tom Chi, Billy Chow, Patrick M. D'Souza, Parris Hawkins, Charles Huang, Jett Jensen, Badri N. Krishnamurthy, Pradeep M. Kulkarni, Prakash M. Kulkarni, Wen Fong Lin, Shantha Mohan, Bishnu Nandy, Huey-Shin Yuan
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Patent number: 7174231Abstract: The present invention provides a process manufacturing integration system (PROMIS) comprising: a plurality of PROMIS ISAM files; a TEST database having a plurality of TEST fields for storing a plurality of status controlled DCOP definitions within an associated ISAM file; a CAUX database having a plurality of CAUX fields for storing a plurality of control chart definitions within an associated ISAM file; and an associated graphical user interface to better control each of a plurality of data collection operations (DCOP). Further provided is a method of using the PROMIS comprising the steps of: associating an equipment identification (EQP ID) with a control chart identification (CHART ID) within a chart table (Tc); associating the CHART ID with a data collection operation (DCOP) within a operation chart table (To); and creating a DCOP control methodology chart by combining the Tc with the To to associate the EQP ID with a DCOP.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ping-Ling Peng, Carrie Kang